Drawing inspiration from iconic masterpieces and notable artists has always been a hallmark of Michael Cinco’s creative process. In the past, the Dubai-based Filipino fashion designer has produced a collection that mirrors the romantic paintings of Gustav Klimt. For his spring-summer 2023 line, he reimagined Claude Monet’s dreamy landscapes into ready-to-wear pieces. His Philippine Legacy Gala 2023 show featured looks inspired by the beloved masterworks of Spanish artists Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí.
Clearly, the eras reflected in his “Impalpable Dream” collections serve as a homage to his artistic heroes, merging fashion with the world of art. This time, he is bringing it home to the Philippines through a collaboration with a Filipino artist.
On Dec. 8, 2024, Salcedo Auctions presented “Masterpiece in Motion,” a silent auction showcasing the collaborative works of Michael Cinco and Davao-based visual artist Caroline “Bing” Taojo. This marks Bing’s first showcase in Manila. To give everyone a full view of her creativity, she presented 16 paintings featuring idyllic floral images for the exhibition.
Bing’s passion for painting began in her 20s. Despite her innate talent, life led her to become an optometrist and manage her family’s business. Art took a back seat for a time as she raised her four children. during her off-duty days, however, she would pick up a brush and paint vivid blooms on canvas.
“When I see flowers, I stop and admire them,” Bing tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “Only God can make something as perfect as that.”
Apart from the paintings, “Masterpiece in Motion” also celebrated the union of Michael and Bing’s crafts, displaying the designer’s pieces adorned with the artist’s paintings. Salcedo Auctions hosted a fashion show featuring designs from Michael’s past collections, including four pieces with Bing Taojo’s artwork.
“I have always been inspired by great artists,” Michael muses. “It has always been a dream of mine to collaborate with a real artist. For this auction, I’m trying to do something very wearable but, at the same time, limited-edition pieces.”
Gracing the runway were Michael’s golden ball gown and Roman Empire-inspired cape from his “Impalpable Dream of Rome” collection. Regal and dramatic were his modern iterations of the terno silhouette. Meanwhile, his pieces adorned with Bing’s hand-painted blooms were simply exquisite.
“The collaboration of these two artists from different realms, fashion and art, truly underscores the idea that they are not separate fields—that they can have these conversations,” Salcedo Auctions chairman and chief specialist Richie Lerma says. “We’ve always envisioned Salcedo Auctions as a platform for communication and engagement, where people from different disciplines can create these wonderful creative interfaces.”
Masterpiece in Motion was co-presented by Arthaland, with J. Paul Getty Museum curator for photography Paul Martineau opening the show. It was the first time Salcedo Auctions merged fashion with art. Given the success of Michael and Bing’s collaboration, it will certainly not be the last.
Hello, readers! Do you have a story you want us to feature? Send us a message on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and X and let’s talk about it.